Koh Tao island
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, part of the Surat Thani province. The island is only accessible by boat from Chumphon or from Koh Samui/Koh Phangan, it’s neighboring islands.
Koh Tao is probably the quieter island of all three. You’ll find some party scenes at Sairee beach, but the rest of the island is mostly nature, viewpoints, restaurants and beaches. A true paradise.
Koh Tao is also one of the top diving spots in Thailand and the world with it’s very affordable diving courses and beautiful underwater wildlife. For those who are scared of deep waters there are many snorkeling options too!
👉🏼 Arriving on Koh Tao: What I did was
Take an early flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang airport - If you initially arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport they have a FREE SHUTTLE bus at exit 4 to Don Mueang airport) to Chumphon airport. From there you’ll have an airport bus (250THB) that’ll bring you to the Pier.
Other options are: Taking a bus from BKK to Thung Makham Noi Pier (Lomprayan Pier) or a train to Chumphon town (then a shuttle bus to the Pier)
Take the boat (1,500THB return) but you can also buy one way. There is a little restaurant and market if you want to eat something. You’ll have to wait around 4 hours. The trip to Koh Tao is about 1h15 minutes.
Once you arrive you can either walk to your accommodation, take a taxi or rent a scooter directly from Koh Tao Pier.
How to get around on Koh Tao
Certain things can be done by foot (like walking from your hotel/hostel to a nearby restaurant or beach), but I definitely recommend you’d rent a scooter especially if you are staying on a more remote place an dplanning on visiting the whole island. If driving a scooter is out of the question, I know there are pick-up taxis that you can call from your accommodation or from anywhere if you get their number. Some can be found close to the Pier when you arrive.
👉🏼 Recommended place to rent a scooter A&P Bike for rent (200TBH/day if you stay at The Dearly hostel or if you rent it for more than 2 or 3 days)
Where to stay in Koh Tao
I recommend you’d stay in the south of the island, not far from the real busy places but far enough not to get overly stimulated by tourists and music and shouting.
The dearly Hostel - This hostel is located southern of the island, towards Chalok Baan Bay, in a quiter area but still right close to many restaurant options, Seven eleven, and beach! And it’s only a 3 minutes ride to Mae Haad beach and a 5 minutes ride to Sairee if you want some late night adventures and/or other restaurant options! The rooms and bathrooms are clean - I was staying on the 6 female dorm (with individual beds!) and it was so comfortable.
They have a rooftop with Yoga mats if you wish to practice by yourself, a swimming pool, a nice chilling area on the second floor and a lovely terrace at front.
🥐 Free breakfast is included in the total price
🤿 PADI: You can get your PADI certification with them if you wish. If you are more into snorkeling, you can rent mask and tuba from them for 100 BATH (+500 caution).
N.B.: You may read reviews online stating that there are roosters that make a lot of noise. There are indeed rooster, but it’s really not that bad! Actually it made me feel in a safe space surrounded by nature.
Blue Chitta is supposed to be a very good hostel too, with their cafe, yoga lessons and diving courses!
Beaches
Ranked from favorite to least favorites (but still veeeeery nice)
#1 Chalok baan bay
(free entrance & parking) Chalook baan is an average sized bay located in the south of Koh Tao. It offers a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere, surrounded by greenery, laid-back restaurants and coffee places, giving a more natural, untouched feel. It is also very accessible, simply park your scooter on the side of the road and enter the beach from one of the restaurants.
👉🏼 KoPPee Espresso bar for nice coffee, cocktails, live music and an overall relaxed atmosphere
👉🏼 Big fish for take away fresh juice
#2 Sai Nuan beach
(Free entrance & parking) I have been there for sunset and it was wonderful. It is a little bay with two restaurants/bars at each end of it. If you get the chance on the way there or back, to stop at High the moon or secret bar for a nice view overlooking the mountains and the sea. This beach is only accessible by car or scooter.
#3 Shark bay/beach - HaadTien
(Entrance: 200TBH - free wifi and drink + showers). This beach feels very natural with it’s white sand and trees giving some much needed shade. You’ll have some hotels surrounding it and a beach bar if you want something to eat/drink.
If you want to avoid paying at the entrance of the Haadtien hotel, you can go through Rocky resort or via shark bay. Be careful as there will be a guard walking along the beach verifying who has and who hasn’t payed.
#4 Mae Haad beach
(Free entrance) Mae Haad beach is the beginning of the shore leading towards Sairee beach. Although close to the port, it remains very calm and nice. You’ll find many shops close by if you want to eat or drink something as well as the promenade.
#5 Tanote Bay
Tanote bay is located on the eastern side of the island. It is less crowded than other beaches on Koh Tao mainly because it is a bit more of a ride to get to. It is a good spot for snorkeling as the waves are not strong and the water is clear. You’ll find some restaurants and some areas of shade.
Best places for authentic Thai food
Koh Tao has many amazing local Thai restaurants although sometimes a little hidden by the more touristy places. Here are a few addresses you should try!
$ = 2-5 euros // $$ = 5 -10 euros
Mint Kitchen ($): I recommend you try the Phanaeng curry, the no name vegetables, the pumpkin soup, the Pad See Ew noodles with chicken or Tofu
Maruay Thai food ($): Must try their Tofu or chicken massaman curry, their stir fried morning glory. Their meat dish and fish looked really good too!
Na restaurant Thai food ($): Located close to the Pier, it is a lovely local restaurant serving fresh local food. I recommend you’d try the fried basil with aubergine
Other places which are supposed to be really good are: Tiki’s Kitchen (come early as she is alone to cook and the food may take a while!), 995 roasted duck (I’ve passed in front many times but always so crowded…)
Coffee and brunch
Prana Cafe ($$): Their espresso macchiato is spectacularly good along with their warm peanut butter, banana and mango oatmeal, as well as their fruit salad (you can ask them for different fruit if you’ve ordered another plate with fruit in it).
Monkey Cup ($): For their mango sticky rice
KoPPee Espresso bar ($$): I’ve only had a whole coconut there so it’s difficult to say if the drinks and food is good but following the reviews and what i saw coming out of the kitchen I’d say you could give it a try! Or at least, go there to enjoy sunset
High the Moon ($$): For me this place is definitely worth visiting for the view it has to offer. I’ve had a good fruit juice but again, I cannot really grade the food as I was privileging local restaurants.
Secret bar ($$): Close to High the moon, you’ll have an equally beautiful view
What to do on Koh Tao island
Although being a very small island, Koh Tao has many different activities you can choose from. An example of these are:
Viewpoints
👉🏼 K viewpoint: (Free entrance) This is the best viewpoint you can go to according to me. The reason is simple, no one really knows about this place although listed on google maps. Once you arrive with the scooter (veeeeeery steep road!), you can continue a short walk up through his little animal sanctuary. You’ll find all sorts of birds and other species. At the top you’ll find a bench (without much security so be careful, especially if you have kids) overlooking the bay. The owner built a little bar if you want to drink something at the base before leaving the place.
👉🏼 Mango viewpoint (Sairee beach view): (200 BTH entrance + free bottle of water) A little further up from K viewpoint, you’ll find a very different atmosphere. If you like to smoke (weed is legal in Thailand) you’ll find the perfect setting. This place serves Thai food and you can buy your weed there if needed.
👉🏼 High the moon: High the moon is located on the southern part of the island closer to Chalok Baan. It also has a laid back atmosphere but more Westernized.
Diving
I have not followed any type of course but they offer many courses all around the island. I can recommend the one they give at the Dearly hostel or Escape divers.
Snorkel
I’d recommend you rent snorkeling gear and experience the underwater at your own pace at the location of your choice.
Boat tour
Same as for diving, many companies organize boat tours but be careful as they may be crowded. Near Chalok bay there is a place called Chalok Booking (pink house located next to the sandwich lady restaurant) where they organize boat and snorkeling tours for a minimum amount of people. For 7 people the price is 5.000 BTH from 9am to 3pm. You can choose the places you want to go to and the ones you want to skip. They will provide water and a ice box in which you can store your food.
Climbing
@Thebunker
Massage
👉🏼 Vcare was the best massage I have had in my whole life probably. Vcare is right onto the beach. The group of ladies are super friendly and KEP (my masseuse) definitely adapts her movements to the body she has in front of her, and does not only repeat the same movements over and over again.
👉🏼 Family Thai massage is also a nice massage place made up of a nice team of women. If you are staying southern of Koh Tao and not willing to move too much, it’s a handy option.
Yoga
@rebornYoga (Sairee or Mae Haad) or @BlueChitta
Beaches
See above
Night out
If you want to go out I recommend you’d go towards Sairee beach
Food and Drinks
See above
